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Met Another Legend Today!

The blog

This has to be a quick blog because we have to run back to the venue soon for a photo shoot with Don prior to dinner; forgive the atypical brevity.

OK, I normally only call out fans from our site/Twitter/Facebook/etc. if I can remember their names during the 8 seconds of my personal intro every night onstage, but CHRISTINE MABRY out in California, this one's for you! We owe you, lady.

Here's how SNC was able to meet Claude McKnight, founder of the multi-platinum, Grammy-award winning - some (i.e. us...) may say THE STANDARD in a cappella - ensemble TAKE 6 today at our sound check at the War Memorial Theater in Nashville:

1. I get a message on Twitter from Christine the other day telling me that she's reached out on our behalf to one of the members of Take 6 who she used to swim with in high school (basically to tell him that he should come to our sound check or show),

2. Christine hits me up again on Twitter to let me know that Joey of Take 6 regrettably couldn't make it, but has reached out to his band-mate Claude (he has heard of SNC before and encouraged Claude to meet up with us in his stead),

3. Christine hits me up one last time to tell me that I should reach out to Claude (on Facebook) to get a conversation going, which I did, which eventually led to him texting me today during our sound check to let me know he was "running around Nashville today and am en route to the venue."

We sang on mic and wrapped up our sound check with an off-mic "Wonderwall" for Claude, who offered us some amazing perspective and advice from his 20+ year career in music. Some highlights of our conversation were Walt getting the opportunity to thank Claude for starting Take 6, whose music Walt listened to daily on the drive to school growing up ("You guys are the reason why I started singing a cappella."). He humbly thanked Walt for his words and continued to deflect our praise of his group back onto us, which we then deflected back to him for our remaining time together (a ping-pong match of a cappella-related compliments - ha!).

Walt, Mike, and I drove back to the hotel where we are now and were just blown away with how down-to-earth and cool of a guy Claude was/is. His sagest advice: "The fun you have onstage together will translate more to your audiences than anything else." He went on to say, "We (Take 6) have a challenge sometimes with audiences who may not be used to the dissonant (close-sounding) harmonies that we've become known for. You guys are singing upbeat, feel-good music and I can see why your audiences are entertained by you! Keep doing what you're doing and always continue to respect one another, because it's really hard to keep a group, no matter the size, together in this business for a long time. I look forward to seeing where you guys go with your music."

We're still reeling a bit, but I just think it's so cool how musicians such as Claude (and Barry Manilow) who have had so much success in this industry go back to basics in their wisdom: continue to have a good time with each other onstage and it will translate with your audiences.

On that note, I need to clean up really quick and roll back for the photo shoot. Thanks for stopping by (especially you, Christine Mabry). Claude, if you're reading this: thank you for your music, time, and perspective today! We hope to meet up with you again and the rest of the guys in Take 6 down the road.

This has to be a quick blog because we have to run back to the venue soon for a photo shoot with Don prior to dinner; forgive the atypical brevity.

OK, I normally only call out fans from our site/Twitter/Facebook/etc. if I can remember their names during the 8 seconds of my personal intro every night onstage, but CHRISTINE MABRY out in California, this one's for you! We owe you, lady.

Here's how SNC was able to meet Claude McKnight, founder of the multi-platinum, Grammy-award winning - some (i.e. us...) may say THE STANDARD in a cappella - ensemble TAKE 6 today at our sound check at the War Memorial Theater in Nashville:

1. I get a message on Twitter from Christine the other day telling me that she's reached out on our behalf to one of the members of Take 6 who she used to swim with in high school (basically to tell him that he should come to our sound check or show),

2. Christine hits me up again on Twitter to let me know that Joey of Take 6 regrettably couldn't make it, but has reached out to his band-mate Claude (he has heard of SNC before and encouraged Claude to meet up with us in his stead),

3. Christine hits me up one last time to tell me that I should reach out to Claude (on Facebook) to get a conversation going, which I did, which eventually led to him texting me today during our sound check to let me know he was "running around Nashville today and am en route to the venue."

We sang on mic and wrapped up our sound check with an off-mic "Wonderwall" for Claude, who offered us some amazing perspective and advice from his 20+ year career in music. Some highlights of our conversation were Walt getting the opportunity to thank Claude for starting Take 6, whose music Walt listened to daily on the drive to school growing up ("You guys are the reason why I started singing a cappella."). He humbly thanked Walt for his words and continued to deflect our praise of his group back onto us, which we then deflected back to him for our remaining time together (a ping-pong match of a cappella-related compliments - ha!).

Walt, Mike, and I drove back to the hotel where we are now and were just blown away with how down-to-earth and cool of a guy Claude was/is. His sagest advice: "The fun you have onstage together will translate more to your audiences than anything else." He went on to say, "We (Take 6) have a challenge sometimes with audiences who may not be used to the dissonant (close-sounding) harmonies that we've become known for. You guys are singing upbeat, feel-good music and I can see why your audiences are entertained by you! Keep doing what you're doing and always continue to respect one another, because it's really hard to keep a group, no matter the size, together in this business for a long time. I look forward to seeing where you guys go with your music."

We're still reeling a bit, but I just think it's so cool how musicians such as Claude (and Barry Manilow) who have had so much success in this industry go back to basics in their wisdom: continue to have a good time with each other onstage and it will translate with your audiences.

On that note, I need to clean up really quick and roll back for the photo shoot. Thanks for stopping by (especially you, Christine Mabry). Claude, if you're reading this: thank you for your music, time, and perspective today! We hope to meet up with you again and the rest of the guys in Take 6 down the road.

Comments

Minda, awesome! I shared it on my FB wall, and my friend Minnarie commented that they were even cuter in street clothes, so let's find a way to get to the Cupertino concert, haha. Another convert. #score

Hi Shaina! Thanks for welcome! I am on Facebook, and I'm sure I'm the Jillian popping up on News Feed...I went a little Facebook crazy today...lol!
Thanks for all the amazing welcomes Chasers! It's so nice to join such a great community of people! Hope I get to meet some of you on the tour! :)

we're coming to see you tonight in Chattanooga, can't wait! Claude is right, the main reason we wanted to come see you live is so that we could feel like we're cool enough to spend an hour or so 'hanging out' with you! The amazing music is a bonus!
So let's get this party started!!

Hey Chasers! I'm new to the SNC Fandom and wanted to know if the guys have individual Facebook pages or just their Straight No Chaser fan page? I was trying to search after reading Ryan's blog so thought I would ask those who know best!
Thanks for any help!
Jillian

Christine, you rock. :)
Ryan, it's great to hear your insights on the experience. Today you all lived one of my dreams - meeting someone from Take 6. My mom got their very fist album as a birthday gift when I was 6 years old and I've been a fan ever since. (As I write, "Spread Love" is looping in my head.) What a gift to be able to spend a bit of time with Claude!!

Apt words as always, Mr. A. (Ryan's dad, not Ryan, although it does apply to both of these talented writers.) Mr. A., can you sing and dance, too, as well as write? No shortage of blessings in your family. :-)

Way to go Christine! What a great gift for our guys! Ryan, thanks again for another entertaining blog! The friendship and love that you guys share with each other is so evident on stage and it fills your audience with joy...that's what you all have over so many other groups. Plus, the connection you make with your fans just puts you head and shoulders above all others. Can't wait til November...it's kinda boring not being able to hop down to AC and see you guys. Hope you're all having fun on the tour and with the new buses.

Outstanding! Thanks for sharing such a special moment with all of us, Ryan.
Nothing makes us happier than to hear you guys are having fun and being successful and learning along the way.
And mad props to Christine for the introductions.

Holy smokes! What a great day for all of you. I especially love to hear that these legends, (Barry and now Claude) are saying the same thing: continue to have a good time with each other onstage...
I hope you know you're on the right track. I've only seen one of your shows, but I can honestly say that I felt *right at home* and loved the way you made the audience yours. Just keep it real. :)

what a nice connection, Christine! :-) Your generous advocacy and effort helped make priceless memories today for The Guys.
Nice insights and a powerful summary thought, Ry. How interesting that such experienced professionals as Mr Manilow and Mr McKnight share a key observation and recommendation: chemistry.
I definitely say "Yepper" to that. We fans hear (and LOVE) your music, but our eyes "listen" to the rapport. Then we smile back in reply.
Have a blast tonight in Nashville and tomorrow in Chattanooga, and enjoy your new tour buses. We're sure looking forward to seeing the shows in Newark and Fort Wayne this weekend and being among other fans at the venues.Gonna be FUN to dust off our friendship from 2000 with New Guy Don and see our Ten Sons again! Knowing that a Great Friend/USN Shipmate and his bride will enjoy your show in Milwaukee is especially meaningful.

Thanks for taking the time to share your amazing experiences with us, Ryan! This was a very fun read, I love the excitement behind your words - have a great time out there!!
And so nice of you, Christine, to hook them up!